The 7 species of the land of Israel
Parashat Eiqev/Eikev/Ekev (D’varim/Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25) 5782 B”H
7 species promised to the land of Israel
Today, let’s look at the 7 kinds or “species” promised to the land and people of Israel in Deuteronomy.
Moshe (Moses) continues to speak to the Israelites
Deuteronomy/D’varim 7:12-11:25 continues Moshe’s (Moses’) speech to the Israelites, reminding them of all the wonders of the LORD’s deliverance and encouraging them toward blessing as they continue toward the Promised Land. Contained within these verses are the revelation of the 7 species that would be part of the land of Israel.
This passage reiterates that Israel will see increase “little by little (Deuteronomy/D’varim 7:22) and that the duty of the people was to remain faithful to the God of Israel and His commands so that they would continually experience abundant provision and blessing.
People of the Promise
We know that the Israelites struggled to maintain a positive outlook. Many of them failed to look with the eyes of faith toward a better future. Many of them grumbled and complained. They had heard of a Promised Land, but would they grasp onto its promise? Would they themselves live to see that Promised Land? Would they walk as people of the Promise or would they continue to walk around in circles?
How many of us today know intellectually of God’s promises but fail to continually walk in His path, choosing instead to try our own routes only to wind up back where we started with feelings of unaccomplishment and frustration?
The life of faith can be challenging. But while we may break our own promises or have others do so to us, God is faithful and He will never break His promises to you.
For those who would trust in the God of Israel as people of the promise, 7 species or special “kinds” of provision awaited them in the Promised Land.
7 Promised Species in Israel
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word, “species,” I tend to think of animals.
We’re planning a zoo trip for the kiddos in the coming weeks, so I have lions, tigers, and bears on my mind. I have one child who says he has never seen a live penguin (not true, but he was very young last time we were at the zoo) and another who claims kangaroos don’t exist because he has never seen one (so I really hope this zoo has an Australia exhibit . . . a lesson on doubting Thomas might be better for him than the zoo, but I guess we will start with the zoo!)
Back to Israel’s 7 species.
In Deuteronomy/D’varim 8:8, Scripture is talking about agricultural species. God promises that the land of Israel will be a land of
The LORD promises that “you will eat and be full, and you will bless ADONAI your God for the good land He has given you.” (Deuteronomy/D’varim 8:10).
The 7 species are still found in Israel today as the LORD continues to bless that Holy Land.
And notice, of course, that there are precisely 7 listed! That perfect number reminds us of the perfection of His provision.
Grains & Fruits
If we analyze the seven species, we see that they can be described as either grains or fruits. Grains are so essential for basic sustenance, providing the main ingredients for bread, etc. Fruits give us sweetness and joy! It has become traditional to eat these 7 species of food on celebratory holidays such as the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) and the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost/Shavu’ot).
So give thanks today for all of God’s gifts, especially the provision of life-sustaining food. As the autumn/fall Biblical feasts draw near, perhaps you want to incorporate some of these delicious items on your family’s table! Rejoice today, because Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) is Perfect in all of His ways and He died and rose again so that we may join Him in the heavenly banquet.
Thanks for reading this short teaching about the 7 species of the land of Israel. If this blessed you, please share or leave a comment below! Shalom!